how does one get started with coding and using it in a practical manner? I either want to write a small script to automate a mundane task, but don't have the know-how to implement it, or want to work on a more complex program but have no idea where to start.
whenever I look at someone who codes, I honestly just assume it's some arcane, innate knowledge that they were born with. if you code, what was it like starting out? at what point can you start calling yourself a programmer?
@bumbervevo
Lots and lots of googling and obsessing. People who seem like naturals spent years making hundreds of stupid, crappy scripts, learning just a little bit with every iteration. They often took classes or read books that taught about syntax, object oriented programming, and a hundred little things.
My number one piece of advice is: think of something interesting enough to keep your focus, then google obsessively on how to do little parts of it. Then glue those pieces together.
If you want specific advice on your script, feel free to dm me.
@bumbervevo
It really is okay to start with lofty goals as long as it keeps your interest. My first real project was to make a particle-based fluid simulator. I had absolutely no experience in programming or trigonometry at the time, but the _potential_ kept me focused.
Nowadays, that mindset of "do I really need this" keeps me focused on financial prediction scripts. That potential keeps me focused on learning machine learning software that may get me rich.
Focus is key with programming. If you find what will keep you focused and hungry for more, you _will_ learn. Even if it takes years.
@Demosthenes yeah, not being able to stick with something long-term is one of my biggest weaknesses. I know I could get a lot done if I paced myself better (or at all, really).
another issue I run with projects is that programming tends to be just one part of the whole process. a lot of the projects that I want to work on involve things like web or UX/UI design.
at which point, I think to myself, "I probably don't really need this." another one of my great weaknesses; following through on ideas.